combat khukuri handle desgin

DannyinJapan

DannyinJapan

Joined
Oct 9, 2003
Messages
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So, now that I have decided on an 18" Gelbu special to be my combat/survival knife, let us take a poll of grip materials/designs and see what everyone agrees would make the best handle for this purpose.
Also, whom would be the best person to do the work...
 
I think you are about to find that as far as handle materials is concerned there are 2 camps. Horn and wood. As there have been a few problems with the bone handles, not many would recommend them for a combat khuk. Myself, I prefer wood, as I know it better than horn. As far as who to do the work? Hmm, Bura comes to mind, but then Kumar does good work, as does Sher. I don't think that, when it came down to actual use, that the maker would matter. As long as it met HI standards, it should work. JMHO, of course.
 
Wood is easy to detail yourself with a bit of sandpaper.
It is the dominant traditional handle material of khukuris
through a long history of hard use & combat.
Just don't apply a slick finish if you want the -most- secure grip.
I've gone through projects wasting a lot of time &
energy researching & deciding the -best- option.
A wood-handled 18" Gelbu Special will serve you well.
When you order specify whether you need larger or smaller grip.
 
Expecting agreement on ANYTHING in this forum...

You'd have more success trying to herd a bunch of cats!
:D :D :D
 
Originally posted by DannyinJapan
would make the best handle for this purpose.
Also, whom would be the best person to do the work... [/B]
Click to expand...

Who's your favorite kami? posted on 12/24/2003 touches on the subject.



ddean--besides the handles being available in either medium or large, are the lengths made more for Westerners; i.e., those with lager bodies and hands?
 
Originally posted by Drdan
besides the handles being available in either medium or large, are the lengths made more for Westerners; i.e., those with lager bodies and hands?
Click to expand...
Generally.......the handle length is proportioned to the blade length.
Grip diameters vary more by the kami.
Others can comment on which kamis have smaller or larger grips.
 
another vote for wood.

my 18" wooden-handled GS is currently on a ship bound for Kuwait. I'll be following it in a couple of weeks...I'll let you know how it fares after a year in Iraq ;)
 
Will the Military Let you wear a khukuri ?
The British army has a survival knife dont they ?
A MOD-4, I think they call it , is that right ?
I always wanted one of those....
 
'Pends on the unit, Danny.

I often carried a 17.5" Chitlangi with me when I went out on field problems. One sergeant in the unit (A CO 1-5 IN) also carried a kuk that he claimed he had made himself. (Because of his lack of humility, I doubted it.)
 
Also, Danny, I wrapped the handle of this kuk and the end of the scabbard with grip tape. It not only provides even better purchase, it deadened the glare.
 
Grip tape..
You know, I think I saw a ghurka pic where it looked like their knives had army green aluminum handles.
is that a fact ?
 
Spectre, Danny and all

Do you think it is practicle to wrap para-cord on Khuk handle? It looks neats on bowie handle!
 
Originally posted by mohd
Spectre, Danny and all

If it works for you mohd, I'd investigate that rather unconventional (as far as khukuris) application. For me it looked great on a John Ek knife, but may look less cool on a khukuri...your mileage may vary... If it is functional for you, and you feel that it gives the khukuri added control and even psychologically you gain an advantage, it's already proven itself to be practical; I say go for it! The possibility of removing the paracord or even 5-50 only adds to the practicality aspect. Dan ;)
Click to expand...
 
Guys, once I get my financial situation squared away (read: start receiving my GI Bill), I plan on sending my M43 to Dale Sandberg at Eight Dollar Mountain Foundry for him to install an aluminum handle. He wraps his 'luminum handles with 550.

Note: probably the angle, but I really don't like the M43 feel. This particular M43 (L.B.- is that Bura?) has a chipped handle, anyway. Dale's knives have their own "magic" feel, and maybe his magic can make this kuk better!

(:p to y'all that think I'm committing sacrilege! Dale's an American kami, and the knives exist for us, not us for the knives. I think.)
 
Spectre If you chose an Ally. handle I hope you dont go anywhere cold!

Would of thought it was pretty slippy when sweaty, raining or bloody too?

Spiral

Edited to add. aaarrr my mistake I see your wrapping it in para cord!
 
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